Sports Medicine

Decade update: rugby concussion incidence high, higher in match play and with HIA detection

Across 98 studies (2014–2023) pooled concussion incidence was 9.74 per 1000 player-hours in rugby union and 9.20 in rugby league. Match-play incidence was markedly higher than training (RU 10.98 vs 0.34 per 1000 player-hours). Studies using Head Injury Assessment protocols reported nearly double the incidence versus non-HIA (RU 15.35 vs 7.72). Authors conclude that assessment protocol and match intensity strongly influence reported concussion rates. 1

German professional football: low overall concussion rate but rapid and variable return-to-play

Nine seasons of German professional male football showed a match incidence of 0.84 per 1000 match-hours. Odds of concussion were higher in matches than training (OR 2.82). About 49.4% returned to play within six days, with wide individual time-loss variability. Most concussions were from head-to-head or hip-to-head contacts and rarely judged as foul play. 2

Athlete lipid profiles vary by sex and sport; sex-balanced assessment recommended

A scoping review of 31 studies (5921 athletes) found mean HDL 59.3 mg/dl, LDL 94.3 mg/dl, and TC 168.0 mg/dl, with wide sport-specific variation. Female athletes had higher HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides than male athletes. Elite athletes showed higher HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides than collegiate athletes. Authors call for standardized, sex-balanced studies before changing athlete cardiovascular screening practices. 3